‘Goalposts must stop moving’: plea for stability in UK’s green homes drive

After failure of green homes grant scheme, campaigners want future projects to be long-term and accountable

Richard Derrington was one of the first people to apply for a much-hyped government grant to decarbonise his home, a cottage in the Cotswolds, and help the UK meet its aim to be net zero by 2050.

His speed off the mark counted for little as he faced months of delays, bureaucracy and repeated requests to prove his identity. A year on from applying for the 5,000 green homes grant, Derrington finally had the satisfaction of seeing a new heat pump installed in his garden.